August Echoes - Lucky You [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Fake it until you make it is a way to get ahead professionally, but it is a poor method for finding internal happiness. And yet we all plaster on that fake smile at times and pretend we are doing just fine when we’re not.

August Echoes does a magnificent job of utilizing an upbeat musical arrangement and heavier, darker lyrics to showcase this dynamic. In a track that at first glance feels bright and cheerful, the true meaning and vibe is one of despair and uncertainty. This mirrors how many of us go through our days.

’Lucky You’ is a track with intelligence and foresight ,and if you truly listen a bit of insight into our humanity. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Alana Cruz - Telescope [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Alana Cruz has a sound that could be Country, could be Pop, could be an emotional singer/songwriter expressing their vulnerability and the good thing is great music transcends those type of labels and simply speaks to people’s hearts.

’Telescope’ is that kind of song.

At times I heard Natalie Maines of the Chicks, Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mack and Brandi Carlile but in the end this is simply the talented Cruz, belting out her truths as she expresses what unrequited love and the yearning brand of hope that comes along with it truly feels like.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Zoe Ko - Touch Therapy [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Zoe Ko is having fun on her latest single, ‘Touch Therapy.’ This Alt Pop gem is definitely thirsty, and that seductive Pop Punk edge drives the engagement.

Ko revels in the sexuality of the track and that libidinous energy captivates. Sometimes all we need is to be touched to unlock a new new attitude this song serves as the soundtrack for that sensation.

As the most interesting man alive once said ... Stay thirsty my friends. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

jocelvn - spiral [Music Review]

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

“I had a mixed reaction to jocelvn’s new release, ‘spiral.’ The vocal talent and emotive delivery had me captivated, as did the subtle beauty of the video and imagery.

The writing was strong as well, though I was not a huge fan of the way the track wound down and for me the ending felt unnaturally abrupt, as if it had been cut off. Though overall, it was the production dynamics that I struggled with. The track felt overproduced and for my taste it would have been better served to simply let the vocal talent and emotion carry the song.

As always, let me know in the comments what you think? Did I miss the point of this one or was the talent diminished by the production and abrupt conclusion?”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Alex Kade x Mikara x HASHON - Metamorphosis [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“After forming an online freindship, this trio of talented artists finally got together to collaborate and create this engaging track.

’Metamorphosis’ was inspired by their collective experiences in abusive relationships and the track captures the emotions well for the genre without sacrificing the energy and builds you’d expect from a Future Bass offering such as this.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

D!V!DENT - YDYAIDM (feat. WESTSIDE BOOGIE) [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Lyrical power and a hard beat lend this track all the punch it needs. D!V!DENT is joined by WESTSIDE BOOGIE on the track and both flows hit with the force of vintage Tyson. ‘YDYAIDM’ is the perfect blend of old school, in your face aggression and smooth Contemporary lyricism.

A true banger I needed to experience after starting to think modern Rap was trending too soft. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Claire London - Black Leather [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Claire London blends the Blues with Pop sensibilities to give us this track. ‘Black Leather’ offers enough of that sultry edge to tease and enough dirt and grit to truly make it all interesting.

The track is loosely based on London’s first meeting her eventual husband but at its heart it is about personal confidence and simply getting about your business because you are truly feeling it.

That self assured groove comes through and carries the track on its back for a nice ride.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

KTJ & CARLY - Forever Young [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Riding a slow methodical build over the first minute, the track begins to soar with the chorus, but before that the strong emotive vocals will make you lean in in anticipation.

None of us truly stay ‘Forever young’ but good music is a good way to forget that that and lose yourself in time for a while. KTJ & CARLY know how to create engaging tracks that speak directly to a listener’s heart.

I did find myself craving more lyrically and the track ended a verse or so too soon for me.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Nauti x Duke Deuce - CRASH DUMMY MUZIK [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Who would have thought a little bit of Memphis and a whole lot of New Zealand would hook up to establish a smooth groove like ‘CRASH DUMMY MUZICK.’

This is one of those tracks best digested in a cloud of smoke so you can kick back and enjoy the smooth ride. Each listen gave me a new nuance and thought. Simply a vibe!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Shane Rennison - I Think It's You [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“The writing and premise of this track caught my attention and held me for the duration. I did crave more vocal variation from Shane Rennison on the track as the delivery stays with that one melancholic tone for the duration.

At its heart, ‘I Think It Is You,’ is a breakup song or at least one of self reflection that is going to lead to a breakup. Realizing the person you thought could be a long-term partner isn’t the one is a tough call and an emotional one a we first have to admit we were wrong in our original assessment. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Conflixx - LasT LetteR [Music Review]

Rating: 2 out of 5

“This track offers good artistic talent and yet it missed reaching its full potential. I liked the tone and the passion that pushed the flow forward and the premise or hook of the track is also rock solid but the elements did not quite combine to land with full force.

’LasT LetteR’ certainly owes a nod in style to Eminem, and Conflixx has that same sharp delivery that lands when he is truly feeling it. Though there are times when the delivery felt forced and artificial. However, in the end, it was the writing that just didn’t stick the landing. The rhymes often felt forced, or at least predictable. There were not enough surprises or twists to take this one to the next level for me despite the obvious potential and talent.

Give it a listen and let me know in the comments of you agree or disagree, and don’t forget to explain why or why not.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kelly McMichael - Bomb [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Kelly McMichael ignites the fuse on this ‘Bomb,’ with a sound that borrows from the retro vibes of the 80s.

That said, the track feels entirely contemporary so while yes, I was reminded of the Go-Go’s, I was also invested in the attitude and lyrical build that hits like the bluntness of today’s social media charged world. The vocal power and musical energy are up in your face in all the best ways.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Tom Mackell - Shitbag [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Pure unadulterated fun!

Tom Mackell has a good time calling out his own behavior, and the honesty, along with his emotive delivery sells the track with ease. The melody is light and the tempo carries the listener along like a nice summer breeze.

This is a good little everyman kind of ditty, that will stick in your head long after the final note. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

deegie - Old Spice (Eric #1) [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“deegie is back on the attack, unleashing to dirt on ex-boyfriends from her upcoming EP, ‘EXES.’

This song puts the spotlight on Eric, her high school sweetheart, who first broke deegie’s heart when she was seventeen. I

A Pop Punk hit in the making, ‘Old Spice’ unfurls like a movie and the the story is easily digestable.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Matt McKnzi - Thank You [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A slow-tempoed jewel, ‘Thank You,’ from Matt McKnzi simply latches on to the psyche and refuses to let go.

Soulful and emotional, this Indie Pop track definitely takes the listener for a melancholy ride, but the midst of this the track has a uplifting gratefulness that recharges the soul.

Sit back and enjoy the emotions as the track washes over you.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Vilhelm Buchaus - Snow In The Summer [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track comes in with a retro 80’s vibe. Not quite Hair Metal, but more like a Springsteen, Bon Jovi kind of energy and old school rock style that provides instant nostalgia. Beyond that, Vilhelm Buchaus infuses passion and talent into ‘Snow In The Summer,’ that keeps you glued in for the build and climax of the track. Along the way the song started to feel more contemporary for me though truthfully it delivers what I’d consider a timeless sound.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Velvet Rouge - Lonely Since The Day We Met [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Velvet Rouge reminded me of Lucinda William on this track. Yes there are multiple voices, but the grit and overall tone had that same brand of defiant excellence that William does so well.

’Lonely Since The Day We Met’ builds in passion and energy throughout, and once it bites unto your psyche it refuses to let go.

This is the, in-your-face goodbye that we all want to deliver at some point in our life. Now we have an easy song to share with those offending parties as we say adios! ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Annie Bacon & her Oshen - Mist [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“I was hooked from the opening line. Annie Bacon & her Oshen delivers an emotional track that feels gritty and real.

There is more than a hint of Stevie Nicks to the tone, though the writing and overall vibe reminded more of Jason Isbell meets Lucinda Williams. Whatever you want to call it, this is songwriting glory performed by a talented and committed artist that ensures you feel every last word. Music as it should be!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Yung Jewelz - Dirty Diana [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Yung Jewelz brings the straight in your face passion on this track. The Dirty South is front and present on ‘Dirty Diana,’ a trap track with that deep south bounce pushing it forward.

The flow hits hard, and the writing cracks open your skull and lets the words pour straight in. A gritty and real, punch directly to the gut!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

D4WN - Groove [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The groove here, is exactly what captured me. From that funky beat, to the vocal cadence this one is pure rhythmic groove. Which is no doubt why D4WN titled this one ‘Groove.’

I did find myself craving a touch more vibrancy from the vocal side of the production dynamics, and the few brief quiet interludes were more distraction than addition for me. But man when this one is flowing, it is undeniably smooth and infectious.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger